This week -with some encouraging from Thom to take risks, reach for the stars and dream big- I sent invitations to four of my favourite Canadian folk/alt-pop musicians to play an upcoming show with me.
Obviously I emphasized the fact that they would be headlining, I was a big fan, much respect, all of those important things. Tried to make the messages concise, well-worded, clear.
Two responded and said Nope (with limited other words) and the other two didn’t response.
This was slightly soul-crushing. I didn’t mind the No’s because they were understandable (these musicians are awesome/busy/esteemed)… The non-responses sucked though.
I suppose this is good for me in some way.
Perhaps I thought if I could play a show with someone I don’t know, who has had great success, who makes beautiful things, then I would somehow gain new hope. I think in aiming big I was aiming for positive reinforcement, for affirmation.
Through this, I also realized I HAVE AMAZINGLY TALENTED FRIENDS.
I am going to book some shows with them, instead.
Summary: the pain of rejection threatened to crush me but I took its power and used it for good instead. Win!
Also: It seems I should probably spend more time songwriting and less time seeking out affirmation from unlikely sources.
